Jai Opetaia knocks out Claudio Squeo to set up long-awaited unification fight

Jai Opetaia is hoping a unification fight is next after he successfully defended his IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight titles against Claudio Squeo.

Opetaia was an overwhelming favourite to overcome the Italian, who made a confident start.

The opening two rounds saw Squeo on the front foot and in the second he landed a left-right combination. Opetaia meanwhile remained calm as he looked for openings to dismantle his opponent.

From the third session, Opetaia slowly increased the pressure as his right hand started to land with ease and Squeo struggling to defend himself. 

The fight was brought to a brief halt early in the fourth after the referee deemed Opetaia's body shot as illegal after holding Squeo whilst throwing the punch. This pause in proceedings did not deter Opetaia from continuing his offensive.

In the fifth, an Opetaia right hand saw Squeo take a knee and unable to continue, then it emerged Opetaia had broken Squeo's jaw rendering him unable to continue. 

Speaking after his win, Opetaia made no secret that he wanted to make quick work of his opponent in order to continue chasing the much desired unification fights.

"I was just in a rush, I really wanted to get him out of there," Opetaia said.

"I'm chasing these unification fights and it's frustrating."

• Read next | Justis Huni manager reacts to brutal Fabio Wardley knockout defeat

There is no secret that Opetaia wants to face WBA and WBO titleholder Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez next, and he hopes to make it happen by travelling to the USA later this month when the Mexican defends his belts against Yuniel Dotricos on the Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr undercard.

Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will be streamed exclusively on DAZN PPV, Saturday, June 28. Buy the PPV now here.